Nymeth presents The King of Ireland's Son by Padraic Colum posted at things mean a lot, saying, "Hi Jenny! This is my first time participating in the Carnival of children's literature. This was the only post I had appropriate to the theme, but it's an older post. If that's not ok just let me know! Thanks for hosting." I love this book and I'm delighted Nymeth chose to share this post! It's wonderful for reading by yourself, or reading aloud to a child.

Here's a wonderful discovery. Candace Ryan presents ReJoyce in Children's Literature: James Joyce's Kid's Book posted at Book, Booker, Bookest, saying, "A little-known fact about James Joyce, the Irish icon of literary iconoclasm-- he has a kid's book to his credit." I certainly didn't know about this book. It's always fascinating to find a children's book by a writer known for other genres, who writes one for his or her children or grandchildren. Some of my favorite books have come from such writers.

P.L. Frederick shares his artwork Mr. Green Jeans posted at Small and Big, saying, "A bit of humor for you..." This is a funny image of St. Patrick as an ecologically correct green guy. Hope it makes you smile too.

Here's a number of posts themed green, as in nature, science and animals for us to enjoy and learn from. Nancy Muller presents Essential Gardening Books for Kids posted at Recession Depression Therapy, saying, "Inspire your little ones, while they gain science, reading, math, and life skills. If you are trying to work green into a theme, it doesn't get any greener." Yes, and kids love to be outside, so teaching them to garden is great!

All the way from Australia, Susan Stephenson, shares A Talent for Quiet posted at The Book Chook, saying, "Wonderful new book from a talented writer and artist!" This book looks full of gorgeous images of nature along with a sweet story of the developing relationship between a stepfather and child.

I'm delighted that Pam Coughlan chose to share with us The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau posted at MotherReader, saying, "I'm sorry, but I guess I wasn't in an Irish mood this month. I do love this nonfiction picture book that I reviewed and would appreciate the chance to get more people to know about it." I actually got to see some of the original artwork for the book at Fuse #8's January Children's Literary Cafe, and it was fabulous. Do go read this review, then look at the book in your local library or bookstore!

From Virginia, Tricia Stohr-Hunt presents Best Science Books of 2009 - Other Worthy Titles posted at The Miss Rumphius Effect, saying, "Well, it's not green, but there are green books in it. This is my "best science books of 2009" list. I tried to fill in the gaps that I thought the NSTA list missed." This is a fascinating list, and definitely appropriate for this carnival.

Gregory K. informs us about his fabulous poetry project, Announcing 30 Poets/30 Days! posted at GottaBook, saying, "It's not green, so I hadn't subbed anything. But there will be earth day/spring related poems, so that's close. Plus I'm just so excited!" I'm excited too. Anything that promotes poetry is wonderful. Plus, so much poetry is full of nature and green imagery!

Tracey shares Favorite Five Board Books posted at Girls to Grow. I made mental notes as I read this post. I never know what to give new mothers. Board books are mysterious to me and any recommendations are deeply appreciated.

Anastasia Suen presents 5 Great Books About Superheroes posted at 5 Great Books, saying, "Dress up is extra fun when you pretend you are a superhero!" I grew up on comics and I remember playing pretend superheroes. These look like fun books!

Here's a fun-sounding YA book about characters from plays who have their own lives. Becky Laney dishes the scoop about Eyes Like Stars posted at Becky's Book Reviews. I can't wait until July to read it!

Off to Africa, for another YA book that sounds fascinating and heart-breaking. Terry Doherty presents Burn My Heart posted at Scrub-a-Dub-Tub, saying, "It's not green...but the Irish will completely understand the idea of not being able to control their own destiny!

I'm so glad you all enjoyed this month's carnival. People shared some really great stuff.

And Nymeth, I do think quite a few people know Padraic Colum's The King of Ireland's Son. I would bet that many of the Kidlitosphere folks know it and the Child_Lit folks as well. Amazon indicates it's still in print from 4 or 5 different publishers as well as available through the Kindle. I assume this means there's sufficient interest to keep it in print. I hope all those editions have the wonderful illustrations.

Hi - this is just a very quick comment to say that I have found you via Speak Up Librarian - what IS it about deaf librarians!!!? You see.....I am one too!! I work in healthcare running a multiprofessional library in the UK. I will certainly be adding you to my blog roll - deaf librarians unite!!

About this Blog

I will be posting occasional posts on the history of children's literature and old children's books, from the Middle Ages to the present day from Europe, England and America. Yes, children's books are that old and I want to share them with you. The links above are to resources on the Web for learning more about the history of children's literature. Feel free to comment and ask questions and I'll answer them as best as I can.

About Me

I'm a rare book librarian and a specialist in the history of children's literature. I kept all my children's books from my childhood and kept collecting more. I grew up back when you could still find wonderful old books in used bookstores quite cheaply so my collection ranges from 1800 to the present and if I ever get it unpacked, there probably are over 10,000 children's books. Which doesn't count all the other books in the areas of science fiction, fantasy, romance, historical novels, and history of children's literature.... I'm also a genealogist who has been collecting family stories and research for over forty years.